Official Matagorda Island TX gathering thread

[McClure]

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It wont be long until we get together on the Island. I know this forecast doesn't mean much of anything this far out but it sure will be nice if it is correct.

Matagorda Long Range Forecast


Blair

[McClure]

I just received an email from the Matagorda Bay Nature Park.

Greetings Steve and Blair,
Hope Thanksgiving was safe and everyone faired well.
Just a quick note to update you on where we/everyone stands in concordance with the signing up for MBNP Programs, especially the Living on the Beach Program, for Dec 8th. To date, there have only been 3 sign up for this Program. We still need 5 more for this to happen and hopefully it will make soon. As for the other programs we have not seen any interest as of date. Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Thanks again,
Rhonda

[McClure]

Matagorda Gathering Report:

The gathering was a success! The weather on the Texas Gulf Coast was between 50 and 80 degrees and mostly sunny. There was a beautiful sun rise and sun set every day. We had 31 units attend (9 last year)22 Casitas and 9 Scamps. Mike and Arlis came in from Kansas, Paul from Northern Wisconsin and Bob from Florida to name a few. While at dinner there was a token prize given to Paul for traveling the furthest. He was presented a Lightning Welk which is the official State of Texas sea shell that was combed off the beach Saturday. Also the official name of the gathering was voted on Saturday night and it is now The Matagorda Madness FGRV ?, named for the few and brave that attended the first Matagorda Gathering in freezing, raining, sleeting weather. The name Matagorda Madness FGRV ? was submitted by CD Smith. I am not quite sure if it will be a gathering or rally next year so stay tuned.

Friday night the happening place was Sean's Casita where everyone gathered for some of his Cajun gumbo which was a hit. There was an overwhelming applause when I suggested that next year Sean would fix us all up with gumbo instead of a possible potluck. There also was a gentleman that made a dutch oven apple crisp that was awesome and he volunteered to cook 4 of them next year if needed. Sorry sir, I cant remember your name so please reply so everyone knows who you are and then you will be a marked man next year ..lol..

Other than a place to have a potluck, a meal or just a gathering place for coffee in the morning, there was a huge majority of attendees that liked the laid back no structure atmosphere.

There were 10 people that participated in the Living on the Beach program hosted by a Texas certified naturalist and there were 7 people that went kayaking on a planned escorted trip.

I emailed everyone that was on Charlie's list and asked for your favorite picture or 2 from the gathering and I will add it to the slide show. If I missed you with an email asking for pictures please send me a message here on FGRV. Until I receive more pictures here is what I have.
If you have a broadband (fast) connection click below for the slide show.
Slide Show
If you are on dial-up click below so you can choose which picture you would like to view.
Pictures

Thanks to all that attended and to those that didn't, you missed some awesome weather in December. Next year maybe back to freezing you just never know. Right now it looks like you probably need to put the 1st weekend in December 2008 on your calendar.


Blair

[bill&sandra]

Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Thanks again,
Rhonda
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well, it was a wonderful gathering, i think everyone will agree on that! sure was cold getting back to big D. brrrrr!!!!

Had a bet with the Smiths--that they'd beat us home! We left at 8am and made it in the driveway around 4pm. I'm sure they made better time than we did! ha!

Notice the weather down there was still in the 70s. nice!
Here is some pics of the gathering and our table buddies! Good lookin' folks!


Have a great holiday, folks!

[McClure]

Thank you Charlie for taking the initiative and maintaining our attendee email list.

Those of you that attended the first Matagorda Gathering and have some pictures please look at your archives and send them to me so I can add more pictures to the 2006 slide show/album. Once again I am asking for 1 or 2 of your favorite photos that I can post in the 2007 slide show/album. I have received a few already and I appreciate those that have. Slide Show

You may also want to visit Brian McWeeney's blog that chronicles his trip to Matagorda.

When I got home I started right away working on LCRA to provide a meeting room for us next year. I have contacted the LCRA board member that represents Matagorda County, the GM, and a public relations person. It looks promising and I will keep you informed as things progress.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!


Blair

[CD Smith]

Bill, you beat us back to Grand Prairie.

When we go south to camp, we always take the opportunity to stop for lunch at Los Cucos in College Station. They make a stuffed avacado that is to die for. It is a whole, peeled avacado, stuffed with either chicken or beef, wrapped in Monterey Jack cheese, covered with batter, and deep fried. Magnifico!

I also take a 30 - 45 minute nap after lunch. Helps me keep awake while driving.

However, Steve and Cynthia went the same route as we did. We passed each other once or twice. Steve passed us for the last time just as we exited at College Station.

[Phil Underwood]

looks like you all had a great time.. Thank you for sharing the photos

see you guys in Bandera